Chapter 45 Turning Down the Championship
Finished
Helen’s face turned red as she struggled to think of a comeback. After a long pause, she finally said, “Those people in the audience may be fools, but I’m not. Don’t think just because you managed to design a few decent outfits, you’ve magically gone from a fashion rookie to a design champion.”
If someone with zero background in fashion could just teach themselves a few tricks and outshine trained professionals like me–people who had studied for years–then what was the point of education? Everyone might as well just self–study and skip school altogether.
“The truth is right in front of you. Believe it or not, it doesn’t change anything.” Caroline replied calmly and stepped aside to put some space between them.
The host gave his speech before preparing to present the winner’s trophy to Caroline.
Helen stared at the trophy in the staff’s hands with hatred.
That trophy was supposed to be hers–not just the trophy, but the title of champion and the bright future that came with it.
And now, it was all ruined because of Caroline.
She glared at Caroline with pure hatred smoldering beneath her gaze.
Caroline, you brought this on yourself.
She was determined to make Caroline pay a heavy price–so heavy that she wouldn’t live to see
next year.
However, the target of that hatred, Caroline, was in the spotlight on the stage.
She didn’t reach out for the trophy. Instead, she turned to the host and said, “I never signed up for today’s design competition, so I don’t think I should be awarded the championship. We should stick to the rules of the event.”
The host was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected someone to turn down a championship that was being handed to them.
This was his first.
“Although the rules are fixed, we can allow changes under some circumstances. Ms. Caroline, your talent speaks for itself. You absolutely deserve this title. Am I right, everyone?” he asked, scanning the crowd with a polite smile.
The audience responded in unison, “That’s right!”
Caroline had made up her mind. She took the microphone and said clearly, “Everyone, to be honest, I’m not really interested in fashion design. I probably won’t be pursuing a career in this field. So this title doesn’t mean much to me. I think it’s better left to someone with real passion. and talent–it might even inspire others to do their best and keep improving.”
835 PM ch c
Chapter 45 Turning Down the Championship
Her goal had already been achieved. There was no reason for her to stay.
After handing the mic back to the host, she turned and walked off the stage, graceful and composed.
Helen clenched her teeth so hard they almost cracked as she watched Caroline’s silhouette disappear into the distance.
If she had anything nearby to throw, she would’ve smashed the entire stage to pieces.
If Caroline didn’t want the championship, why did she come and mess things up?
That was the title I had dreamed of winning!
Finished
She bit her lip and turned to the host. “Even though I didn’t score as highly as Caroline, my score was still impressive. It shows I have talent. Now that she’s given up the championship voluntarily, shouldn’t it go to me?”
The host studied her pitiful expression in silence, then straightened up and replied firmly, “Be that as it may, rules are rules. The purpose of your match with Ms. Caroline was to determine who was more skilled and whether someone had lied. Now the truth is clear–it was you who lied, and you who broke the rules by stealing someone else’s design draft.”
Helen’s tears, which she had been holding back, spilled over at once.
“I had my reasons-
However, the host clearly had no patience for her excuses. With a dismissive wave, he cut her off.
“That’s enough, Ms. Helen. The competition is over. Please leave the venue–and from now on, you are banned from participating in any fashion design competitions in Kingville.”
The words hit Helen like a knife straight to the heart.
Being banned from design competitions was like being thrown into a dungeon for someone whose entire career depended on fashion.
She had been hoping today’s performance would earn her a spot in a bigger company.
After this incident, no one would hire her–except for Somerton Clothing Factory.
The audience hadn’t heard exactly what was said between her and the host, but judging by her miserable expression, they could guess the gist of it.
People in the front rows began throwing flowers–followed by crumpled paper.
Thief! Get out of here!”
“Someone with no morals like her shouldn’t be allowed to stay in Kingville!”
“How could someone as kind as Ms. Caroline have such a vicious niece?”
8:35 PM ct ct
Chapter 45 Turning Down the Championship
Finished
Fearing the situation might escalate, the host shouted sharply. “What are you waiting for? Leave-
now!”
Helen was furious and humiliated, but she had no choice but to flee.
As she ran down from the stage, people continued throwing things at her.
She had to cover her head with her arms just to avoid being hit. Someone even spit on her as she passed through the aisle.
Even then, she didn’t dare stop running.
Only when she reached the corridor outside did she finally to a halt. Looking down at the spit on her blouse, she gagged from disgust and nearly threw up.
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